Overview

The Bizz Johnson Trail follows 25.3 miles of abandoned Southern Pacific railroad grade through the Susan River Canyon in northeastern California, connecting Susanville to Mason Station near Westwood. This gentle rail-trail climbs just 1,300 feet over its entire length with a maximum grade of 3%, making it accessible to hikers of all abilities. The route crosses the Susan River 12 times on historic railroad trestles—including the impressive 270-foot Devils Corral Trestle—and passes through two tunnels (800 and 450 feet long). The landscape transitions from semi-arid canyon along the river to upland pine and fir forests at higher elevations. While heavily used by day hikers and mountain bikers, the trail offers a unique 2-day backpacking experience for those seeking an easy introduction to overnight trips. Significant fire damage from the 2020 Hog Fire remains visible, particularly between Devils Corral and Goumaz.

Permits & Regulations

No permits are required to hike the trail, but a free California Campfire Permit is mandatory if you plan to have campfires. Obtain one online at https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/ before your trip. Primitive camping is permitted on BLM and Forest Service lands, but with strict restrictions: camping is prohibited within 1 mile of Hobo Camp Day Use Area and Devils Corral Trailhead. Camping is only allowed in the middle 5 miles of the eastern 7-mile segment, with campfires restricted to the metal fire ring at Cheney Creek. A 7-day camping limit applies between trailheads. The only developed campground is Goumaz (5 sites, vault toilet, running water—though recent reports indicate the faucet may not work), located roughly at the trail's midpoint. Goumaz operates May through mid-November. The Hobo Camp Day Use Area (12 picnic sites) closes at nightfall and reopens at 8am, and vehicle access is gated December 1 through spring. Horses are permitted on all bridges and through both tunnels (bypass trails available if preferred).

Best Season

May through October offers the most reliable conditions, with early May to early June and mid-to-late October providing the best scenery (spring wildflowers and fall colors). Summer (July-September) brings hot, exposed conditions—temperatures in Susanville regularly exceed 90°F—and the Susan River runs low. Late spring offers pleasant temperatures, higher river flows for swimming holes, and rainbow trout stocking in May-July. Winter (December-March) typically brings snow, particularly on the upper 18.5-mile segment west of Highway 36 where elevations reach 5,500 feet. The trail transforms into a cross-country ski route in snowy months, though the lower 7 miles from Highway 36 to Susanville melts out quickly due to southern exposure and lower elevation (4,200 feet). Shoulder seasons mean fewer crowds but require monitoring for trail closures due to wet conditions—the BLM asks users to avoid the trail when muddy to prevent damage.

Water & Resupply

Water is the trail's biggest logistical challenge. There is no reliable water source on the trail. The faucet at Goumaz Campground reportedly does not work consistently. You must rely on the Susan River, which parallels the first 16 miles of trail. Treat all river water. Flow decreases significantly by late summer and early fall. Consider caching water at Devils Corral or Goumaz if doing a through-hike.

Susanville (eastern terminus) offers full resupply: Safeway (2970 Main St), Grocery Outlet (1616 Main St), and Walmart (2900 Main St). Westwood, near the western terminus at Mason Station, has limited services—you'll need to walk or bike 4.5 miles beyond Mason Station via McCoy Road and Mooney Road to reach town. The Lassen Rural Bus runs between Susanville and Westwood Monday-Saturday ($3 one-way, bike racks available), making logistics easier.

Hazards & Challenges

Bear activity is significant—one hiker reported 19 piles of bear scat in a 5-mile stretch. Hang food or use a bear canister. Rattlesnakes are possible in the canyon's semi-arid lower sections, particularly summer months. No specific reports exist but remain vigilant in rocky areas and tall grass.

The 2020 Hog Fire burned 9,564 acres including much of the trail corridor between Devils Corral and Goumaz. While hazard tree removal and infrastructure repairs are complete (including replacement of 6 burned box culverts and two bridges), the landscape remains scarred with dead standing timber and reduced shade. Recent flooding damaged sections of the trail; repairs are ongoing but expect occasional closures for maintenance.

The Devils Corral Trestle (70 feet high) and tunnels may be intimidating for those with height or darkness phobias, though both are easily navigable. The tunnels are not pitch black (light visible from ends) but bring a headlamp for safety. Expect limited to no cell phone reception throughout the canyon.

Getting There

Susanville Trailhead (Eastern): Located at 601 Richmond Road in Susanville. Take Highway 36 into town, turn north on Richmond Road. Paved parking, restrooms available. No fees.

Devils Corral Trailhead (Mid-point): On Highway 36, 14 miles east of Westwood and 7 miles west of Susanville, just east of the bridge across the Susan River. Paved 0.2-mile access road to parking area. Restrooms, river access for swimming/fishing. This is the most popular access point.

Goumaz Campground: From Westwood Junction, take Conard Road and Korver Road about 6 miles. Rough forest road—high clearance recommended but not required in dry conditions.

Mason Station/Westwood (Western): The official terminus is Mason Station. Continue 4.5 miles on McCoy Road and Mooney Road to reach Westwood town services.

Shuttle Service: Lassen Rural Bus (530-252-7433) runs Monday-Saturday with bike racks. Weekday westbound buses leave Susanville (Main & Gay St) at 5:26am, 12:17pm, and 5:22pm, stopping at Devils Corral, Fredonyer Summit, and Westwood. Saturday service departs Susanville depot (601 Richmond Rd) at 8:30am. For Sunday shuttles, contact Susanville Taxi (530-257-5277). Groups of 6+ can arrange private shuttles through BLM Eagle Lake Field Office (530-257-0456).

Nearest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International (RNO), 85 miles south via Highway 395.

Tips

Most backpackers treat this as a 2-day trip by camping at Goumaz or in the limited primitive camping zone near Cheney Creek. Consider starting at Mason Station/Westwood and hiking eastbound for a net downhill profile (400-foot descent to Westwood Junction, then 1,300-foot descent to Susanville). The westbound climb is so gradual you barely notice it, but eastbound saves your knees.

Bring sun protection—much of the trail, especially in burned sections, offers minimal shade. Swimming holes along the Susan River provide essential relief in summer heat; look for pools near trestles. The best swimming is at Devils Corral.

If avoiding tunnels, take the riverside bypass trails—they're scenic and sometimes more interesting than the main trail. The 800-foot tunnel stays cool even in summer.

Wildlife viewing is best at dawn and dusk: watch for mule deer, raccoons, porcupines, coyotes, bald eagles, and western pond turtles. Birding is excellent in riparian zones along the river.

Mountain bikers heavily use this trail—stay alert on blind corners near tunnels and trestles. Weekdays see far less traffic than weekends.

Contact the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office (530-257-0456) for current trail conditions, closure information, and fire restrictions before your trip. Check for seasonal closures, especially after heavy rain or snow.

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